Monday Morning Gratitudes

Friends who remember
Friends who make me smile or laugh
Looking thru my picture albums
Popcorn
Vanilla peanut clusters
The color of plum
Fresh veggies
Rainbows after a storm
Rain after a dry spell
Writing retreats with my friends

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Once, when my feet were bare, and I had not the means of obtaining shoes

I came to the chief of Jufah in a state of much dejection,

and saw there a man . . .

who had no feet.

I returned thanks to God

and acknowledged his mercies,

and endured my want of shoes with patience.

-- Sadi the Gulistan

Blessings!

Old Folks are Worth a Fortune!

Old folks are worth a fortune--

    with SILVER in their hair
    GOLD in their teeth
    STONES in their kidneys
    LEAD in their feet
    GAS in their stomachs.

One female said, "I've become more social with the passing of the years: some might even call me a frivolous old gal. I'm seeing FIVE gentlemen:
    As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed.
    Then I go to see John.
    Charley Horse comes along, and when he leaves . . .
    Aruthur Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day.
       (He doesn't stay in one place very long so he akes me from joint to joint)
After such a big day, I'm really tired and glad to go to bed with--
    Ben Gay

What a life!

P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him I do--all the time. No matter where I am, in the parlor, upstairs in the kitchen or down in the basement, I ask myself, 'What am I here after?' "

Blessings!

Meet My New Friend, Carie Lawyer!

Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win Carie's e-book, Beyond Summer. If you love a good romance, you won't want to miss a chance to win this one.


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

My first attempt at writing was in high school. That manuscript hit the trash when I went to college. As an adult, there was definitely an "ah-ha" moment when I knew I had to try to write a novel. But I've always loved to read. And still, I always have a book going.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

Christian romance. It all starts with a man and a woman, and God's divine plan.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I typically try to set aside an hour a day. My goal is a thousand words a day. About once a week I try to get in a two to three hour block. It probably takes about eight months to finish a novel, give or take depending on when the deadline is.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

Beyond Summer is the story of Carly Stevens, a beautiful woman with two daughters, who becomes a nanny for Zane McCord, who has very good reasons to mistrust beauty. There are several layers of messages, but the bottom line is forgiveness. Zane finds out that the hardest person to forgive is yourself and until you let go of old mistakes, those unresolved feelings will interfere with God's intended blessings. Beyond Summer is only available in ebook format, but it is available through a variety of websites such as amazon.com, christianbooks.com, barnesandnoble.com, desertbreezepublishing.com.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

Absolutely there are times I want to give up. The point when I was most discouraged with writing, I laid it on the throne and told the Lord if it wasn't what he'd planned I'd give it up. I just wanted to be clear because it is something I LOVE. Later that week, I got a call that Beyond Ever After (the next book in the Twisted Roots Series) had finaled in a contest for unpublished writers. It was as if He had just put an arm around me and said, "Just keep doing what your doing."

Who’s inspired you the most?

I belong to a wonderful writer's group, Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. The people in that group are wonderful inspirations. There a few who are published, and some who are pre-published. But it's been a very encouraging and supportive group.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?”

I found out through an ACFW loop that Desert Breeze was accepting manuscripts so I sent mine in. For me it definitely wasn't "inny, minny, miny, moe." It was more like, "Oooh, ooh, pick me, pick me." Hand waving madly, bouncing in my seat.

LOL. We all feel that way! Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

No, now it's working toward deadlines, which I love. In all my conversations with God about writing, I can remember asking for a publisher just so I had a good reason to prioritize writing. It's much easier to carve out time to write when I can say, "I've got a deadline coming up."

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I have four wonderful children and a husband. They are my favorite likes. But I also like chocolate and coffee (preferably together), a fire, a good book, playing cards. I dislike the news and flying. What's really awful about hating to fly is that there are so many places I'd like to go. I'd love to see Ireland, Greece, Fiji, the Grand Canyon. One day...

You recently had a book published. How and where can readers buy your books?

They can buy them anytime on Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, christianbooks.com, desertbreezepublishing.com.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

My website is http://www.carielawsonbooks.com/. It has a couple of snippets and summaries of the books in the Twisted Roots series. I'd love for readers to stop by.

Thanks so much for having me today. You have a wonderful blog and I am very fortunate to be here!

I'm so thrilled to have you, Carie, and I wish you much writing success!

Don't forget those comments and email addresses, readers.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

On this Monday before Thanksgiving, I want to be especially thankful for several things:

Freedom: to worship as I wish, to speak (within reason) what I want
Bountiful tables of food I enjoy
Good health
Good, friendly neighbors
The joy of writing
My computers
Life that God has given me
The privilege of traveling all that we have
My cameras that have recorded memories
My wonderful family and friends

Blessings

Sunday Morning Peace

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits!

Blessings!

For Your Convenience . . .

My friend, Rosanna White, founder of the Christian Review of Books, is joining with CrossPurposes Bookstore to offer this wonderful opportunity to readers and lovers of books everywhere! Please read on for more information:

75 Christian Authors * One Amazing Online Event



The Christian Review of Books in conjunction with CrossPurposes Bookstore is excited to announce the first annual Christmas Book Signing Bash.
Beginning on the day after Thanksgiving and lasting ten days (26 November - 7 December), this book signing will be an unprecedented online event. Seventy-five of today’s favorite Christian Authors have come together to answer questions, chat with their readers, and offer signed copies of their books—all without leaving the comforts of home and hearth!
Readers can search by author, title, or genre at the Christian Review of Books (http://www.christianreviewofbooks.com/) and then follow the purchase links to CrossPurposes Bookstore (http://www.crosspurposesbooks.com/) and buy autographed copies of each book featured. The authors will sign the books and ship them to the customers.

For a full list of participating authors, visit the Christian Review of Books.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Cool summer rain
Crisp air
fog hanging over valleys
Men in uniforms
Confident men
Gentle men
Polite men
Cowboys
carpenters
The smell of new houses

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

A Prayer of Thanks

Thank you, God, for the beauty
   around me everywhere
The gentle rain and glistening dew,
   the sunshine and the air
The joyous gift of feeling
   the soul's soft whispering voice
That speaks to me from deep within
   and makes my heart rejoice.
        --Helen Steiner Rice

Blessings!

Think About THIS!

UP.  This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is 'UP.' It is listed in the dictionary as an adverb, preposition, adjective, noun, or verb.

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.

At other times this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.

And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.
We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP !

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary.. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used.
It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP.

One could go on & on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now. My time is UP !
One more thing: What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night?

U
P !

Blessings!

I'm So Happy to Welcome Sandi Rog on my blog today!

Friends, here is a special message from Sandi's editor. If you don't know her, Sandi's cancer has returned. Her editor is making a special effort to boost her sales (from her book that's just been released) to encourage her. Please read on:

Hey all,



This is Daniel DeGarmo with DeWard Publishing Company.


I'm sure all of you are aware of Sandi Rog's latest battle (with cancer - Type T-cell Lymphoma) that just began last week. As you can imagine, she's devastated, especially considering the timing of all this as her first novel just released last Monday.


Well, considering we are a small publishing company and can pretty much do whatever we want, my business partner and I have agreed to donate an additional $1 per book to a Fund that I'll be setting up this week.


Just so no one thinks we are being shady about the whole deal, this is above and beyond the royalties that Sandi (and her agent) is already incurring with every book sold.


The purpose of this fund is to help out Sandi's family (husband and children) while she is laid up fighting for her life.


What I need from you is simply spread the word. For every copy of "The Master's Wall" that is sold (including Kindle) we will donate $1 to this Fund.


I'll also be setting it up so that it can receive regular donations if anyone is interested in just helping out financially.


I hope to have more information to share in the next day or so but at least for now I would ask that you would do whatever you can do direct people to buy Sandi's book.


Sandi has been copied on this email.....Sandi..Please forward this message on to anyone you think would help us out in getting the word out.


The same goes for you if you've received this email.


I want to close by lifting the following prayer up on Sandi's behalf:


Father, I lift my sister before you as her body has been stricken with disease. You know, O God, that she has used her gifts to glorify You and spread your wonderful message of grace and love. It is my humble plea that you would bring her healing and complete recovery. I know You can do this, You are the Great Physician. Please bring Your Spirit into her home as her husband and children continue to live life without her there. They need You. May all that is done bring You glory as our God and Father. In Jesus' name - AMEN!


If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Dan
THE MASTER'S WALL
 (How to check out the book and order):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_adv_b/?search-alias=stripbooks&unfiltered=1&field-keywords=&field-author=sandi+rog&field-title=the+master%27s+wall&field-isbn=&field-publisher=&node=&field-p_n_condition-type=&field-feature_browse-bin=&field-binding_browse-bin=&field-subject=&field-language=&field-dateop=&field-datemod=&field-dateyear=&sort=relevanceexprank&Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.x=0&Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.y=0

Daniel DeGarmo

Co-Owner
Business Manager

DeWard Publishing Company, Ltd.

PO Box 6259
Chillicothe, OH 45601
800.300.9778
http://www.deward.com/
dan@deward.com


Now, here's Sandi's intervew. Please check out her book.

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I didn't always want to be a writer. I had other plans. Like becoming an actress or a singer. Once I hit college, I decided acting and singing weren’t for me. But there was always one constant: writing. When I was in fifth grade, I wrote a poem that an adult didn’t believe I wrote. I was shocked by his accusation because I had indeed written the poem all by myself. At the time, I didn’t realize his accusation was a compliment. I also wrote some short stories for a project in Junior High. The teacher thought one of my stories was true and shared with the class how important it is that we “write what we know.” I destroyed her point when I announced that the story was actually fiction. I don’t think she was too happy with me after that. However, by this time I was old enough to see the compliment. In high school, after convincing my mom that the 17 absences I had in English were a computer glitch (I still had an "A"), you'd think I would have realized I had a knack for words and for "telling stories."

Personally, I don't think of myself as a writer. After all, anything non-fiction is like work for me. Really, I see myself as a storyteller. As a kid, I used get excited when Mom told me it was time for bed. I'd dive under the covers and dream up stories. I'd imagine I was a princess running from a castle, but during my escape, thieves would attack. I'd take flight into the woods, but a handsome rogue would take me captive. Of course, he was really a prince disguised as a thief meant to rescue me. That one was always my favorite. Maybe I'll turn it into an story someday.

What a fun childhood you must have had! What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I like to say I'm a writer of hysterical—er—I mean, historical fiction. I think “historical fiction” is pretty easily understood. :-) I always have a love story in my novels, but my works don't fall under the romance genre because they don't fit the pattern.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I set goals, but they're not usually daily goals. They're more like monthly goals. Or three month goals. I'll decide to finish a novel by such-and-such date, and well, I do it. Words per day, I don't always keep track of. I just write my fingers off to meet my goal. So far I've met all my goals, but if I'm not focused, I tend to get distracted by networking.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

I'd love to talk about my book. It is my favorite subject, after all. Here's a book jacket description:

THE MASTER'S WALL

He fights for his freedom. She fights for her life. Together, they fight for each other.


After watching Roman soldiers drag his parents away to their death, David, a young Hebrew, is sold and enslaved to serve at a villa outside of Rome. As David trains to become a skilled fighter, he works hard to please his master and hopes to earn his freedom. However, an opportunity to escape tempts him with its whispering call. Freedom beckons, but invisible chains hold him captive to the master's granddaughter, an innocent girl with a fiery spirit. David vows to protect Alethea from his master, the murderous patriarch, and contrives a daring plan—sacrifice his own life to save hers.

The spiritual message is about God working out all things for good for those who love Him. I guess this gives away the fact that there just might be a happy ending for this story. So, if you like happy endings, you're in safe territory here.

How and where can readers buy your book?

Amazon, at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_adv_b/?search-alias=stripbooks&unfiltered=1&field-keywords=&field-author=sandi+rog&field-title=the+master%27s+wall&field-isbn=&field-publisher=&node=&field-p_n_condition-type=&field-feature_browse-bin=&field-binding_browse-bin=&field-subject=&field-language=&field-dateop=&field-datemod=&field-dateyear=&sort=relevanceexprank&Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.x=0&Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.y=0

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

Yes, I've most definitely felt like giving up. But I've found that persistence is the key. Writing the book is half the work. Selling it is the other half. Even though I've been discouraged, I simply couldn't stop writing. I'm passionate about my stories and my characters. They're so much a part of me that I'd have to write them whether I get published or not. I discovered that when I thought I would never see my books in print. I simply had to keep writing despite believing getting published wouldn't happen.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I discovered my publisher a year ago. I was very attracted to them as a whole and saw a lot of potential in them to be like the larger houses. But they weren't a large house, and on top of that, because they're so small, their books are POD.

I didn't want that, so I checked out the larger houses. But my gut kept telling me I belonged at this press. So, while shopping at the larger houses, I'd ask God to close the doors if He didn't want it there. Well, He closed all the doors! But he closed them carefully. I got a lot of compliments from the larger houses. They liked my story but didn't have a place for it and they'd ask to see more of my work. So, I got rejections, but not discouragement. I now feel confident that I'm where God wanted me all along.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love to write, and I like to write, and I also like to write. Actually, I also love to sing, attend Bible studies, and I love people. If I could travel anywhere in the world, I'd like to go back to Rome and swing by Pompey as well.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

• My website is here: http://www.sandirog.com/
• I spend a lot more time at my blog here: http://sandirog.blogspot.com/
• I also try to help writers improve their writing skills here: http://thebookdoctorbd.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there!
Thank you for having me, Carole.


What fun to have Sandi with us today! Hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

The first of November
Pumpkins in the fields
A satisfying harvest signifying a good summer
Knowing that hubby loves me even in gray November
The wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving
Scarecrows that have seen better days
shorn corn fields
A harvest moon
crisp cool weather
A day that warms up as it progresses

Blessings!

Sunday Morning Peace

Give Lavishly!

The more you give,

the more you get.

The more you laugh,

the less you fret

The more you do

unselfishly.

The more you live

abundantly,

The more of everyhing

you share,

The more you'll always

have to spare.

The more you love,

the more you'll find

That life is good

and friends are kind.

For only what

we give away

Enriches us

from day to day.

--Helen Steiner Rice

Blessings!

Teresa

Why is it that sometimes there's someone who passes through our lives--just for a moment, a week, a month, maybe longer, who affect us profoundly? Who touches our lives in such a way that we don't--can't--forget it or them.

That's what Amanda's mother for me. Don't get me wrong; I didn't know the woman; hadn't met her yet. That's right I didn't know her, yet I did. In the last few days, I heard more about her than possibly I would have learned had we had a chance to talk. Maybe.

How did she affect me? I've thought about this and realize it's not been something I've necessarily wanted, yet the details of her life, her death, her influence on so many in the community, it's all impressed me whether I desired this touch on my life or not.

• She's made me want to be a better person. Less complaining, more generous, more loving . . .
• In spite of her physical problems, she put others first. I don't want to ever live selfishly.
• She made me aware--again--or my own mortality. And those around me.
• She made me appreciate the fact that I've had my own mother--to enjoy, to share events with, to love, and seek advice from--for a lot longer than twenty-one years. I'll lose my own mother in a few years--at the most--make the most of the time I have left.
• She's made me want to be MORE friendly. She loved everyone. She never met a stranger. She remembered those she met, even if just for a moment. I want to be like that. Or at least strive for it.
• Her death reminded me what I've missed; what I'll never get a chance to experience.
• She's helped me more than ever to appreciate each day that God gives me.

There's more. Much more. But that's enough.
Thanks, Teresa, wonderful person, who in our eyes (those who knew her and those of us who didn't) should have lived much longer, but who in God's eyes was wanted in heaven. We'll miss you.

Blessings!

Meet Vannetta Chapman . . . 

Don't forget, readers, to leave your comment and email address for a chance to win her book!

How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

Actually I've always loved READING, but I didn't know that God intended for me to write until I was deep into my graduate degree at the age of 34. That was a very difficult time in my life, but I clearly recognized that there was something I was supposed to do ... though it would be another 14 years before I sold my first book!

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

My first book, A Simple Amish Christmas is Amish fiction. It is an Amish romance, but more often it isn't shelved under "romance" as much as it is under "Amish fiction." I also write "Amish mysteries" which have less romance in them, but I manage to sneak in a tiny bit because I personally love a little romance.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I have a full time teaching job, so I write each morning before I go to work from 5-7 am. (No - I'm not a morning person either, but we do what we must.) Then I come home and try to fit in another hour or two in the evening. Generally it takes me 3-4 months to finish a book, though I have taken longer, and the shortest amount of time I've written a book is a little over one month (A Simple Amish Christmas) - but I don't recommend that. I had a bad case of tennis elbow when I was done!

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

A Simple Amish Christmas released October 1 and is now #17 on the CBD fiction bestseller list. It’s the story of a young Amish girl who becomes a nurse before she joins the church. Then she’s called home and she must find a way to integrate her skills into her community. In the process she falls in love with the man her community uses for their minor medical needs. Annie has to trust that God has a plan for her life, has a future for her that will include her passions, her skills, and the man she has grown to love. I came at this story with the idea that not all Amish women would be happy with an 8th grade education, but that didn’t mean that they would want to leave their church or community either. Annie is the woman who has a foot in each world, and her heart is split in two. Only God can help her find a way home.

The spiritual message is one of God's grace, a reminder of Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

A Simple Amish Christmas is available in most bookstores and nearly all Christian bookstores. It's also available online at Amazon, CBD, and B&N.

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

I haven't ever been tempted to give up, but I have wondered if maybe I was mis-interpreting what God wanted me to do. Maybe he meant for me to be a famous bowler instead. Or perhaps I was supposed to write greeting cards! Okay, I'm kidding, but only a little. I never once doubted God -- he's able to accomplish anything. And I had no problem with his timetable, but there were times I had to spend praying, asking if I was still on the right path. The answer was always the same. "Trust me."

Would you roughly explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

Big grin. My son (who was 12 when I first started writing freelance), used to ask if he should go and check for rejection letters. He's a cute one, especially now that he's 22. I'll compare my stack of rejection letters to anyone! Actually I do have an agent, and I've had her for several years. (It is possible to acquire an agent--don't listen to anyone who says otherwise.) She was contacted by Abingdon Press. They were looking for a Christmas Amish book. My agent contacted me and asked how soon I could have mine done, or something like that. We submitted it, Abingdon bought and sent a contract in December of 09, and the book was published 10 months later - a very fast acquisition. At the same time Zondervan was looking at the book and decided they'd rather have an Amish mystery series.

No, I don't think you can sit back and relax. I've scheduled 25 book signings over 3 months because I want to publicize this book. I'm a new author! Writing a book is only part of the work. I'm also submitting another Amish romance series and trying to sell a contemporary inspirational series that I wrote two years ago. It's a bit hard to do all of this while I'm working full time, but I believe God has a plan.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love travelling, though my husband doesn't. (Grin from Vannetta at that understatement.) We do love hiking and camping together. A few years ago we moved from a large metropolitan area to a very small town, and we're happy as clams.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

I have a 3 book series from Zondervan which will begin releasing next year. Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series is set in Indiana and involves two women (one Amish, one Englisch), a quilt and a dead body. I'm currently working on book two and love, love, love these ladies. Watch for the cover on my webpage

• webpage: http://vannettachapman.com/
• and blog: http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/
• and Facebook and MySpace also.

Thanks so much, Vannetta, for visiting. Readers, don't forget those email addresses and your comments!

Blessings to all!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

falling leaves
colorful leaves
the smell of burning leaves
memories of playing in the leaves
children's happy face while being buried in them
the crunch of leaves
a vase full of autumn leaves
the sight of families raking leaves together
mountains of leaves that are scattered by mischievous children and animals
brooms swishing them off porches

Blessings!